There were other novelties inside of the Argentine’s new home ground, including two propped up stands in the northeast and southeast corners that have rapidly been constructed to help fill the increased demand for Inter Miami tickets. 

A tighter security detail was also evident inside of the venue, especially when Messi and Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets arrived with their families following the end of the weather delay and just ahead of their joint presentation. Busquets stunned the crowd by speaking English as he was introduced. 

“Hello, everyone,” Busquets said. “Thank you for coming. I am very happy to be here in Miami. For me, it is a pleasure to be a part of Inter Miami.” Other famous celebrities benefitted from the tightened restrictions, including former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Latin singer Marc Anthony. 

The entire event embraced its star-studded nature, with a video compilation of welcoming messages for Messi on the big screens serving as possibly the most notable example. 

Among the luminaries in the reel were former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, current NBA player Steph Curry, Latin vocalists J Balvin and Maluma, and more. Eventually, the musical artists inside the venue performed amidst a dispersing crowd. Messi came back out on the pitch for a bit during the performances, watching on as his kids kicked a ball in front of the same crowd that will soon be expecting him to score goals regularly.